about me — Mackenzie Smith Portfolio

About Me

Hi! My name is Mackenzie Smith, and I am a 23 year old creative from Collegeville, PA. I grew up on an organic sheep farm, with my love of knitting inspiring my parents to pursue the founding of Willow Creek Farm Preserve. Agriculture and nature has always been at the forefront of my understanding of the world. I will always be curious about how natural systems work together, and how I can learn from the environment around me. Creek walks, using sticks and leaves to build small structures in my backyard, and walking with my dogs in the woods are some of my earliest memories.

I graduated in 2025 from Middlebury College, obtaining a B.A. in Architectural Studies, and a concentration in Biology. Since graduating, I and am looking to broaden my knowledge and to work with creative and ambitious people, especially in the field of architecture and design. Driven by curiosity and creativity, I have found my passion in creating architecture, specifically sustainable projects and adaptive re-use innovations. I am passionate about all scales of design – from architecture and masterplanning, to furniture, fashion, and public art. My liberal arts background has given me a wide breadth of knowledge in various fields – especially architecture and biology – and a curious, creative point of view.

While studying architecture at Middlebury, although my degree was not accredited, I learned important conceptual and spatial foundations, how to make beautiful models, and pre-modern/modern art history focusing on architecture. At the same time, I took a wide range of classes: three languages (French, Danish, and ASL), chemistry, math, anthropology, psychology, etc. The breadth of these subjects has allowed me to critically think and understand the field of architecture and beyond in a way that wouldn’t have been possible anywhere else. I am a well-rounded student, and a life-long learner.

During the summer of 2025, I completed Columbia GSAPP’s summer Introduction to Architecture program, and lived in New York City. Working with talented faculty and my fellow students has pushed me to further my experience into the field. My skills and knowledge with the Adobe Suite, Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit (learning), SketchUp, GIS (learning), and Graphic Design, allow me to support the design aesthetic and values of architecture. By working hands-on with high level talent at Columbia, I have become an even more dedicated worker, organized, and motivated to make a difference anywhere I can.

During my senior year of college, I was the president of the Old Stone Mill Board, an entrepreneurial incubator group that worked with students to bring their passion projects to life. I managed events, student tenants, and project materials, providing opportunities for my peers to explore their ideas, while harnessing my skills in organization, attention to detail, and communication. Additionally, I was the treasurer of Middlebury’s fashion magazine Clover. I worked with students to create semester-long articles around art, fashion, and design, both locally and globally. These leadership opportunities have made me more and more interested in the future of cultural environments, human ecology, and how to design for continuously evolving systems.

Lastly, I was on the varsity lacrosse team during college, with my team winning four back-to-back NCAA national titles. Competing at the collegiate level furthered my ability to adapt, collaborate, and communicate – skills that I will bring to any team environment. I have mastered time-management and problem-solving through resilience while balancing my academic and athletic experiences. My interpersonal skills, selflessness, and lifting up those around me, are just a few of the qualities I am most proud of from playing on the Middlebury women’s lacrosse team. I was able to successfully remain calm in high intensity moments, work hard, and take constructive feedback for four years. I am a better person because of it. Most importantly, I understand what it is like to be part of something bigger than myself, and how to work towards group success.

Now, I am living in New York City full time, working to pursue my goal of becoming an architect someday.